At approximately 11:46 a.m. on August 11, 2026, the Alexander County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a residential structure fire at 136 Leylan Woods Lane. Communications quickly dispatched emergency units and advised responding crews that multiple 911 calls had been received reporting a working fire.
Upon arrival, Bethlehem Fire Department reported heavy smoke showing from the residence and confirmed that the incident was a working structure fire. Firefighters immediately began an offensive attack while battling high temperatures and challenging conditions.
Crews were able to bring the fire under control within approximately 20 minutes.
Two family members were home at the time of the fire. Both occupants were in separate bedrooms when they heard the home’s smoke alarms activating. They were able to safely evacuate the residence, which was filled with smoke and fire.
Units responding to the incident included:
Bethlehem Fire Department
Ellendale Fire Department
Wittenburg Fire Department
Grace Chapel Fire Department — Caldwell County
Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office
Alexander EMS
The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the family with any immediate needs resulting from the fire.
No civilian injuries were reported. Several firefighters were treated at the scene for heat exhaustion.
The Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the incident and determined that the fire was accidental in nature.
This incident serves as an important reminder of the critical role smoke alarms play in protecting lives. The occupants were alerted by their smoke alarms and were able to escape the residence safely.
SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES!
Make sure your home has working smoke alarms, test them regularly, and have an escape plan that everyone in your household knows.
Alexander County Fire Marshall Chris Hicks